National Assistive Technology Act Data System

Annual Progress Report - Full Report

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Rhode Island 2021

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:
Rhode Island Assistive Technnology Access Partnership
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
http://www.atap.ri.gov
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode Island
Zip Code:
02903
Program Email:
melanie.sbardella@ors.ri.gov
Phone:
401-332-9018
TTY:
401-222-1328

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Office of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
40 Fountain Street
City:
Providence
State:
Rhode island
Zip Code:
02903
Program URL:
http://www.ors.ri.gov

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Mailing Address:
City
State:
Zip Code:
Program URL:

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Melanie L. Sbardella
Title:
ATAP DIrector/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-462-7917
E-mail:
melanie.sbardella@ors.ri.gov
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
same as above
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Title:
Phone:
E-mail:

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Sbardella, Melanie
Title:
ATAP Director/Assistant Administrator
Phone:
401-332-9018
E-mail:
melanie.sbardella@ors.ri.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Telecommunications equipment distribution

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)138
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)0
C. Total Served138

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures138

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 00.00
Hearing 14322034.00
Speech communication31309.00
Learning, cognition, and developmental 00.00
Mobility, seating and positioning177913.00
Daily living 00.00
Environmental adaptations00.00
Vehicle modification and transportation 00.00
Computers and related 00.00
Recreation, sports, and leisure00.00
Total16331256.00



C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 0

D. Anecdote

A woman was evacuated from her building due to safety concerns. She was moved into a hotel. ATEL Program provided a cordless and q90 for Hearing Carry Over Relay. The phone system did not allow for outside equipment to be connected but we provided it for her next accommodation. We went down to the front desk and requested a TTY which they provided - we showed her how to use it to place a relay call. She didn't like it. We did familiarize herself with RTT/TTY functions on android devices which she really like and utilized.

Impact Area

An individual emailed the ATEL Program that the telephone that he was provided from ATEL Program was "especially helpful to him during these unprecedented times", as he is isolated from his niece (only relative) due to COVID-19. In the past he didn’t talk on the phone much because it is so difficult for him to hear. He also stated that "we are providing a wonderful service that will directly impact his quality-of-life in a positive way" and when Herbert received his phone he was overjoyed!

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 122 122
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 03 03
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 00 00
4. Subtotal 00 00 125 125
5. None of the above 00 00 13 13
6. Subtotal 00 00 138 138
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 138 138
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 90.58%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 121 87.68%
Satisfied 17 12.32%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 138
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 08
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 17
C. Total 25

Performance Measure
D. Device Exchange - Excluded from Performance Measure 00
E. Reassignment/Refurbishment and Repair and Open Ended Loans - Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients 00
F. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 25

If a number is reported in E you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03 $2,650 $0 $2,650
Daily Living 05 $3,000 $0 $3,000
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 08 $5,650 $0 $5,650

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 01 $2,850 $0 $2,850
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 03 $1,130 $0 $1,130
Daily Living 11 $1,145 $0 $1,145
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 04 $3,450 $0 $3,450
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 19 $8,575 $0 $8,575

D. Anecdote

JB FROM WOONSOCKET CALLED OSCIL TO ASK IF THERE WERE ANY TRANSPORT CHAIRS AVAILABLE. HER MOTHER HAS ADVANCED OSTEOARTHRITIS AND WHEN SHE IS TRANSPORTED TO THE DOCTOR’S, IT WAS A STRUGGLE TO GET HER OUT OF THE CAR AND DOWN THE CORRIDOR OF THE MEDICAL BUILDING TO THE OFFICE. USING HER WALKER AND PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE, IT WOULD BE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS WITH HER MOTHER IN OBVIOUS PAIN. AS IT HAPPENED LP, FROM WARWICK, CALLED TO DONATE ITEMS USED BY HER NOW DECEASED FATHER, INCLUDING A TRANSPORT CHAIR. SHE AGREED TO HAVE HER PHONE NUMBER SHARED WITH JB, AND THE TRANSPORT CHAIR CHANGED HANDS.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 00 00 13 13
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 02 02
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 09 09
4. Subtotal 00 00 24 24
5. None of the above 00 00 01 01
6. Subtotal 00 00 25 25
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 00 00 25 25
9. Performance on this measure NaN% NaN% 96%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 23 92%
Satisfied 02 8%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 25
Response rate % 100%

G. Notes:

Number of Device Exchange and Reuse Recipients is correct to the amount of devices exchanged and reused. Confirmed by RI ATAP Director.

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 70
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 03
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 12
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 03
Total 88

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 49 07 56
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 05 01 06
Representative of Education 06 08 14
Representative of Employment 03 01 04
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 01 00 01
Representatives of Community Living 05 01 06
Representatives of Technology 01 00 01
Total 70 18 88

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 30

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 23 09 32
Hearing 10 03 13
Speech Communication 15 00 15
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 13 01 14
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 01 02 03
Daily Living 08 04 12
Environmental Adaptations 02 00 02
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 00 00
Computers and Related 33 06 39
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 00 00
Total 105 25 130

E. Anecdote

An individual identified several tools that she thought might be helpful to support her in her employment setting as her job coach starts to fade out. This included a talking tape measure and an iPad mini for executive function supports and visual supports. She was successful with each of the tools she trialed and has worked with her ORS Counselor (Vocational Rehabilitation Agency) to obtain funding for the appropriate tools and supports. The individual utilized ATAP Short Term Loan Program to make sure that the talking tape measure and iPad mini would be the best fit for her employment and assist he with job retention. Once it was confirmed Vocational Rehabilitation purchased the assistive technology.

Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 30 07 20 57
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 07 00 05 12
Subtotal 37 07 25 69
Have not made a decision 01 00 00 01
Subtotal 38 07 25 70
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 38 07 25 70
Performance on this measure 97.37% 100% 100%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 06 02 01 09
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 00 01 06
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 02 02
4. Subtotal 11 02 04 17
5. None of the above 00 01 00 01
6. Subtotal 11 03 04 18
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 11 03 04 18
9. Performance on this measure 100% 66.67% 100%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 71 80.68%
Satisfied 15 17.05%
Satisfied somewhat 01 1.14%
Not at all satisfied 01 1.14%
Nonrespondent 00 0%
Total Surveyed 88
Response rate % 100%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 20
Hearing 19
Speech Communication 11
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 05
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 10
Daily Living 33
Environmental Adaptations 05
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 40
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00
Total # of Devices Demonstrated 143

B. Types of Participants

Demonstrations by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number of Participants in Device Demonstrations
Individuals with Disabilities 105
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 16
Representatives of Education 46
Representatives of Employment 01
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 00
Representative of Community Living 05
Representative of Technology 03
Total 176

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 00
Service Provider 11
Vendor 11
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 22

D. Anecdote

Maurice is a Veteran that has lost much of his speech discrimination and worked with the ATEL Program. He was told by his audiologist that he needed captions for phone conversation, but he thought that he just needs a better amplified telephone. After demonstration our two top amplified phones and explaining the amplification and tone variations and explaining to him about what poor speech discrimination meant to his hearing loss, he finally accepted that the captioning telephone was indeed the right choice for his needs.

Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 27 00 97 124
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 03 00 03 06
Subtotal 30 00 100 130
Have not made a decision 07 01 05 13
Subtotal 37 01 105 143
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 37 01 105 143
Performance on this measure 81.08% 0% 95.24%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 138 78.41%
Satisfied 24 13.64%
Satisfied somewhat 10 5.68%
Not at all satisfied 02 1.14%
Nonrespondent 02 1.14%
Total 176
Response rate % 98.86%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 06 02 136 144
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 05 00 06 11
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 11 11
4. Subtotal 11 02 153 166
5. None of the above 00 01 14 15
6. Subtotal 11 03 167 181
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 11 03 167 181
9. Performance on this measure 100% 66.67% 85.03% 85.64%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 57 07 117 181
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 10 00 08 18
Subtotal 67 07 125 199
Have not made a decision 08 01 05 14
Subtotal 75 08 130 213
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 75 08 130 213
Performance on this measure 89.33% 87.5% 96.15% 93.43%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 96.71% 95% Met
Response Rate 99.53% 90% Met

Training

A. Training Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Training by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 421
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 242
Representatives of Education 724
Representatives of Employment 128
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 24
Representatives of Community Living 39
Representatives of Technology 74
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,652

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
931 721 00 1,652

B. Training Topics

Trainings by Topic
Primary Topic of Training Participants
AT Products/Services 1,280
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 15
Combination of any/all of the above 194
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 74
Transition 89
Total 1,652

C. Description of Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance training activity conducted during the reporting period:

TechACCESS has been working with a team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island on a project to improve cyber security for consumers of assistive technology. In addition to assisting with subject recruitment, our contribution to the project has been to inform the team regarding current assistive technology devices and alternative access methods, including single switch scanning and eye tracking. We have also provided input regarding the design and implementation of the project as relates to specific cognitive, visual, and motor challenges experienced by individuals who use alternative access methods such as eye tracking. This has resulted in modifications to the measurement tools developed within the project and ultimately the finished security tools and techniques that come out of it. Additionally, we have expanded the team of researchers’ understanding of assistive technology, alternative access, and consumers who use both. This increased awareness has provided new directions for research into improving assistive technology and informed the team regarding the design and implementation of those future projects.

Briefly describe one training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

TechACCESS provided a training for Prepare RI for grade 6-12 educators. Topics included using technology for executive functioning, tools and strategies for support in the classroom, workplace, and community settings with a focus on transition. 52 individuals attended, including regular educators, special educators and therapists.

Briefly describe one training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

In July 2021 ATAP Partners from ATEL and OSCIL worked with ATAP Director to set up a training for State Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors on Accessibility features in PC, Apple and Android phones and Tablets and how it is not just for Sensory impairments. Other individuals that benefit are TBI, Learning Disabilities, and IDD. Looked at the benefits of software accessibility and also the software for executive functioning. Provided a Power Point with the capacity for a VR Counselor to review. Also discussed the blending and bridging of services with ATAP and VR and how Demo and short term loan can support an individual and VR Counselor with informed choice. Continue to provide on-going support to VR Program.

D. IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Training Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Training Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 33
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 41
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 74
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 26%
Employment %
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 15%
Community Living 27%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 32%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

Technical Assistance: 44-TA-10097: This was the second meeting with the founders and developers of the Cognitopia software platform. Kelly Charlebois, ATP, who has expertise in the areas of general AT as well as accessibility was the trainer. The developers were reviewing new features of the software platform. Kelly provided feedback and information about how to make some of the features more accessible to individuals with visual impairments (i.e. those using JAWS or other screen reading software/apps) and to individuals with cognitive or executive functioning difficulties. As a result of the training the developers determined they would make changes to the platform to incorporate the suggested changes.

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

RILINK RI library system for All of the RI Schools and beyond. This is a 3 day virtual event - East Bay Educational Collaborative has hosted in the previous years onsite in Warren. Contact person for RILINK and Coordinator of the Training on LibGUIDES which is the Platform for all School libraries and Digital Media Access for students. Keynote Speaker @joycevalenza explains equity of access and equity of experience. She says librarians are "equity warriors". These are a few of the sessions highlighted of interest to me from an accessibility standpoint. Day #2: RILINK Summer Conference. Today is all about learning from colleagues, exchanging ideas and discussing ways to improve equity and information access. Disability and Parent portal access with their children. Digital Collection Access and Promotion: Discover easy tips and tricks to curate your ebook and audiobook library so that it appeals to every student - even your reluctant readers! Plus, learn how fre

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. 12/18/2020 -East Bay Educational Collaborative (EBEC) CASEL providing a 3 part December series for increased engagement with students with disabilities, Accessibility and connectivity to resources that are equitably provided by the LEAs. This was pushed to the EBEC listserv of 217, including Para educators Administrators, and Science Educators. During physical distancing, social and emotional connection with students is especially critical. Strategies to Encourage Students to Turn Their Cameras On from Edutopia Incorporating SEL approaches, playing games, and giving students options can inspire them to show their faces. Student Engagement Strategies That Go Beyond Zoom from BELE Network Improve how we are engaging with students beyond Zoom attendance and build strong relationships with them in a way that motivates them to thrive and progress. Video on “Schoolwide SEL: Youth Voice and Engagement” from ThinkTV PBS An essential part of engaging students is to create a climate of trust and elevate their voices.

2. 1/7/2021-Adaptive Telephone Equipment Loan Program (ATEL) The RI Parent Information Network and RI College's Institute for Education in Healthcare have partnered to deliver a free, live, virtual training for Certified Community Health Workers aspiring to earn the new Specialty in Older Adults certification. ATEL, OSCIL, EBEC and ATAP Director has been working RIPIN and Office of Healthy Aging on on-going supports.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 299 38 337
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 226 81 307
Representative of Education 87 17 104
Representative of Employment 27 10 37
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 46 22 68
Representative of Community Living 105 51 156
Representative of Technology 23 15 38
Unable to Categorize 00 01 01
Total 813 235 1,048

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Coordination/Collaboration activities are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR coordination/collaboration activities for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 1

A. Coordination/Collaboration

1. As concisely as possible, describe the partnership initiative. What activities/services were provided? Who are the major collaborating organizations and what is their role? Who is served/benefited? What funding was used to implement the initiative?

RI ATAP has been collaborating with NWD Programs such as State Agencies Office of Healthy Aging (OHA), United Way 211 to assist with working with them and their funded supports on reaching older individuals that need access to technology and are isolated due to living alone and the COVID-19 Pandemic. Participate in monthly calls, and worked individually with both OHA and other partners on both technology options. Working with both older individuals and individuals with disabilities as far as outreach and support to make sure that their information was accessible. Collaborated and bridged services such as NWD supports with supports such as Cyber Senior or the State Independent Living Center. Rhode Island is such a small state everyone knows everyone which is a good thing to get connections going!

2. As concisely as possible, describe the measurable results of the initiative and any lessons learned. How did access to AT change as a result of the coordination/collaboration/partnership? How did awareness of AT change as a result of the partnership? How did the reach of the state AT program change as a result of the partnership? What made the partnership successful? What would you change or wish you had done differently? Provided funding/resources are available, will the initiative continue or is this a one-time event? What advice would you give for replication of the initiative? Please include URL for initiative if available.

Provided Public Awareness, Information and Assistance, Demonstration as needed to stakeholders and individuals in the community, Training, State Financing of Telecommunication through working with OHA (Office of Healthy Aging and United Way 211 and other organizations The partnership was successful and continue to offer support and the above ATAP related supports to NWD supports. Working with United Way 211 The Point we are a resource. https://www.unitedwayri.org/get-help/point/

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Health; Aging; Aging and Disability Network / No Wrong Door; Information and Communication Technology / Remote Connectivity;

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan; Demonstration; State Financing; Training; Information & Assistance; Public Awareness; Technical Assistance;

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 01

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

Worked on Office of Rehabilitation Services (state voc rehab agency, services for the blind, ATAP Program Director, and ATEL direct web site that included ATAP and ATEL information that relates to AT Initiative. Worked with IT on the set up of the whole web site, the accessibility, the contrast, the flow. This would allow the state agency to better support the individuals we support. This coming FY22 there will be more reporting of web site accessibility review and support by ATAP.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

There was not a written policy because ATAP supports worked directly with IT website developers and was extremely hands on. This has also trickled into other sites such as RI Department of Health which will be identified in FY22.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Employment

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? No

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

B. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).

Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance . Saved: Mon Mar 07 2022 11:15:16 GMT-0600 (Central Standard Time)

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This FY21 State AT Program Annual Progress Report was exported from the National Assistive Technology Act Data System (NATADS). NATADS was developed with partial support from the Center for Assistive Technology Act Data Assistance.